KARACHI – Major Joint Naval Exercises Naseem Al Bahr, First Joint MineCounter measures exercise (MCMEX) and Marine Forces Exercise Deraa Al Sahilbetween Pakistan Navy and Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) has commenced atSaudi Arabian Port Al Jubail.
The 11th exercise of Naseem Al Bahr series will continue until Feb 17. Itis the first time that these exercises are being conducted in Saudi Arabianwaters. The exercises are aimed to consolidate the existing strongbilateral relations between Pakistan and Royal Saudi Naval forces.
The exercises include joint conduct of maritime security operations acrossthe traditional and nontraditional warfare domains thus enhancinginteroperability between both the Navies.
Earlier, Pakistan Navy flotilla comprising PN Ships Zulfiquar, Tariq,Azmat, Quwwat and Munsif arrived at Saudi Arabian Port Al Jubail. PNhelicopters embarked onboard PN Ships and P3C Orion Long Range MaritimePatrol aircraft will also participate in these exercises.
For the first time, Mine Countermeasure Exercise has also been scheduledconcurrently with Exercise Naseem Al Bahr. Cdre Adnan Ahmed is the MissionCommander of Pakistan Navy ships visiting Jubail for the exercise.
Upon arrival, Pakistan Navy ships were warmly received by senior RSNFofficers and ratings. On first day of exercise, various harbour evolutionsincluding communication brief for participating units and harbour fireexercise demonstrations onboard Pakistan Navy ships were conducted to shareexperience with RSNF counterparts.
A reception dinner in honour of visiting Pakistan Navy officers and ratingswas hosted by RSNF Eastern Fleet Cdr, Rear Admiral Laafi Bin Hussain AlHarbi at RSNF Naval Base Mess. A large gathering of RSNF officers includingflag officers (Commanders of Logistics, Aviation and Marines) and RSNF BaseCommander also attended the reception.